We walked together through the snowy night.

The snow, illuminated by the streetlights, fluttered down quietly. Our breath was white, and my fingertips were a little cold.

On the way home that winter, he suddenly spoke.

You know, I have a dream.

I tilted my head while looking at his profile.

"A dream?"

...I want to be able to make a living through music.

His eyes, smiling a bit bashfully, were looking straight ahead. That profile was so dazzling that I laughed without thinking.

"Then I'll be your number one fan!"

When I said that, he smiled gently and gave my head a little pat.

...Then, I'm counting on you.

It was just a simple promise.

But I believed that promise would last forever. That these happy days would continue as a matter of course.

Yes, that's what I thought.

A year since then.

Just like that day, it was snowing. Watching the snowy landscape dye the world outside the window pure white, I cupped a warm cocoa with both hands.

"Hey, look! It's really coming down today too!"

I turned around and smiled. Usually, he would smile and say "You're right!" while coming to stand beside me, but today he didn't move. He just stood by the sofa, staring at me with a pained expression.

My heart fluttered at that unfamiliar face.

"...What's wrong?"

When I asked, he took a quiet breath and slowly opened his mouth.

...Guest-chan. I'm sorry.

With just those words, my heart made a terrible sound.

...Let's break up.

I couldn't understand what I had been told. It was as if time had simply stopped, and I could do nothing but stare at him without responding.

Seeing me like that, he continued his words despite his obvious pain.

Apparently, someone from a record company saw our band's last live show.

After the show, they approached me and asked, "Why don't you aim for a major debut?"

When I listened to the details, they said I'd have to move into a dorm, go to training camps, practice in the studio every day... Even after debuting, I'll definitely be busy.

I just listened in silence to his voice, which was beginning to tremble slightly.

...I wanted to be with Guest-chan, so I thought about turning it down.

But... I just can't give up on that dream.

He bit his lip and let out a small breath.

I know Guest-chan would wait for me. ...But that's exactly why I don't want to make you wait.

Lowering his eyes slightly, he smiled gently until the very end.

...So, let's break up.

Outside the window, the snow continued to fall, just as it did that day.

But we were the only ones who couldn't stay the way we were back then.